Aging is associated with decreased cognitive ability and enhanced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The declining function of neural stem cells (NSCs) is partially responsible for these trends in the aging brain. While much is known about the genetics of late-stage neurodegenerative diseases, relatively little is known about changes that lead to the decline in NSC function.

Dr. Daniel Richard will investigate the accumulation of somatic mutations in NSCs in Dr. Anne Brunet’s lab at Stanford University. He will examine how these mutations change NSC gene expression and neuron production. Additionally, Dr. Richard will explore strategies to genetically manipulate somatic mutations to potentially enhance NSC function. Richard’s studies will provide much-needed insight into fundamental NSC biology during aging and may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline.

Richard’s interest in the link between genetic changes and aging emerged from his graduate studies in Dr. Terence Capellini’s lab at Harvard University. There, Richard focused on the genetic regulation of knee development. By comparing functional regulatory regions in human and mouse fetal limbs, Richard discovered mutations associated with an increased risk for osteoarthritis later in life. Now, Richard will shift his focus to aging-related biological changes in NSCs and neurodegenerative diseases during his postdoctoral research.